While the explosions, one-liners and week-to-week mysteries of NCIS have kept viewers coming back for the past 11 years, the heart and soul of the series has always rested within Tony and Ziva’s (better known as “Tiva”) relationship. Needless to say, Cote is well aware of that, and it’s only made saying goodbye even harder.

“My first scene ever in the bullpen was with Michael, and my goodbye scene was with Michael,” Cote tells TV Guide Magazine. “I feel like that was a beautiful way of ending — for now, certainly — a beautiful chapter between these two.”

You hear that, NCIS fans? She said “for now!” We may not have seen the last of Ziva yet.

‘NCIS’ EP Promises ‘Emotional Payoff’ For Ziva & Fans

Regardless of whether or not Cote eventually reprises her beloved role down the line, she’s definitely saying “see ya later” on the Oct. 1 episode, appropriately titled “Past, Present and Future.” Executive Producer Gary Glasberg tells the mag thats long-time fans should brace themselves for an epic goodbye — and maybe have a box of Kleenex handy.

“We wanted to give her the most graceful, emotional payoff we could,” Gary says. “It was a pretty magical moment. Cote took it and ran with it, and the emotion you’ll see on screen is very real.”

I’m getting all misty just thinking about it!

WATCH: ‘NCIS’ Preview — Tony & Ziva Say Goodbye

HollywoodLifers, are you ready to say goodbye to Ziva? Drop a comment with your thoughts on her character’s exit below.